Wrexham appear to be closing in on signing number three of the summer transfer window, with reports that Empoli’s Liberato Cacace is set to arrive in Wales.
So far this summer, Wrexham’s transfer business has been quite limited, with just two new signings to speak of so far in Ryan Hardie and goalkeeper Danny Ward.
Wrexham signed Hardie in a £700,000 deal from Plymouth Argyle and the Scot went on to score on his debut in Wrexham’s 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory last week.
Meanwhile, Ward made his first start for Wrexham in the last outing against Sydney FC, which Phil Parkinson’s side lost 2-1 in disappointing circumstances.
After that loss, Wrexham fans called for more new signings, and it looks like their cries have been answered with Liberato Cacace looking set to arrive from Empoli.
Reports state that Wrexham have agreed a deal to sign Cacace from Empoli: the left-back coincidentally used to play for Wellington Phoenix who Wrexham finish their pre-season tour against on Saturday.
James McClean gives his verdict on Wrexham’s new signing Liberato Cacace
Speaking to the press in New Zealand, James McClean was asked about Cacace. He’s a 33-cap New Zealand international and being a former Phoenix player, there’s an air of interest in the move from New Zealand’s point of view as well.
Speaking to 1News, McClean was asked about Cacace, and he said: “I know he did quite well at Empoli last season, but I wouldn’t say I know very much more than that. This club’s moving forward all the time – the more you go up the divisions, the better players you’re going to sign.
“If he does sign, we’ll welcome him with open arms like we always do, and we’ll relish the competition for places because it’s only healthy.”
How much are Wrexham paying for new signing Liberato Cacace?
For McClean, the arrival of Cacace could be quite worrying as he’s a left-back, and no doubt the potential heir to McClean who is now 36 years old and out of contract at the Racecourse in the summer of 2026.
But for the time being, he’s the no.1 choice, and the club captain too. His experience will be absolutely vital in the Championship next season, though there’s no doubting that Cacace could be the man to prop up that left side for years to come at Wrexham.
And reports have claimed that Wrexham are paying £4million to sign Cacace from Empoli, making him a club record signing: the current record is the £2million that the club paid to sign Sam Smith from Reading last January.
With Wrexham set to return to Wales in the coming days, we can also expect to see the club’s transfer business ramp up, with plenty of new bodies needed before the season opener against Southampton on August 9th.